Multiple Identities

Defining Nationality in an International Community

Sameena Hakimi is 13 years old and Afghani-AmericanSydney Struack, 17, is German but was born in AustraliaNanami Hasegawa is 15 years old and from JapanMarkus Tsang, a citizen of Canada, is 16 years old and from Hong Kong

Living in the international community in Beijing is like having the world at your doorstep. You can be exposed to a multitude of different languages and cultures, and a single household may accommodate three or four different national backgrounds. But what does this mean for kids growing up here? beijing-kids gathered together four students from the Canadian International School to discuss national identity, what it’s like to live in Beijing, and where in the world they want to be in the future.

When someone asks you where are you from, what do you say?

Markus: I come from Hong Kong. Most of the people think Hong Kong is a decent and crowded place. There are a lot of people in just a little bit of land. We can see many nationalities in Hong Kong. You often see foreigners on the street.

Sameena: Both of my parents are from Afghanistan but I was born in America and I grew up there. I’ve been to Afghanistan once, but I’ve mostly been in America, so I kind of feel like an American.

Sydney: I was born in Australia but I’m German because they changed the rules! I’ve traveled a lot, and every two to four years we’ve moved. I’ve lived in the Philippines, France and Germany. If someone asks me where I’m from, I just say Germany.

Nanami: I’m from Japan. Tokyo is kind of crowded with a lot of buildings but Kyoto is very different from everything like that. I feel like when I go back to Japan it’s like coming home – it’s very relaxing. It’s a little bit strange living in Beijing because I’m not that used to it.

When you go back to your “home” country, does it feel like home?

Sameena: I’ve been in China since 2006. When I first arrived, it was a total shock. I mean, I came from California to Beijing. The people were totally different, but I’m getting used to it now.

Sydney: I’ve gotten used to traveling around but I would say my home is in the Philippines because the people are really nice to you, and most of them can speak English. It’s not like in China where most people can only speak Chinese. It just feels like home.

Markus: I go back to Hong Kong every six months. In Hong Kong, everything ís convenient because it’s in such a small place, but in Beijing, everything’s so far away.

Where do you see yourself going after Beijing?

Nanami: Maybe I’d like to go back to Japan and live there for a while.

Sameena: I want to go back to America. I mean, I’ve grown up there and I’m used to it and all my friends are there, so that would be great.

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